Donald and Elon Continuously Seek Each Other's Company
According to an observer who has seen their interactions, "Elon is probably the only other man in the world who can truly relate to President Trump."
TroibNews 
Donald Trump’s staff has been expressing their discontent about the new guest at Mar-a-Lago who hasn’t left yet—Elon Musk—who consistently seems to precede Trump in discussions about policy and personnel.
Despite some of Trump’s allies being taken aback by the continued friendship, and Musk’s influence revealing its limitations, the incoming president remains very much engaged with him.
A recent highlight of their relationship was Trump’s visit with Musk to witness a SpaceX launch in Texas on Tuesday, which showcased their connection. Trump attended the event with a group of aides and lawmakers, including Sen. Bill Hagerty, a potential pick for Treasury secretary, and received a warm greeting from Musk, complete with a hug and a tour of his space operations.
Over the past couple of weeks, the president-elect and the billionaire seem to have become nearly inseparable. Musk has been included in calls with global leaders, shared meals with Trump and his family, and remained prominent as Trump plans his second administration.
However, indications suggest that Musk's sway over Trump’s decision-making has its limits. Musk has publicly supported some personnel and Senate leadership recommendations that didn’t come to fruition, often diverging from Trump’s established messaging. For instance, Musk advocated for Sen. Rick Scott as majority leader and pushed for Howard Lutnick for Treasury secretary, only to see Trump appoint his transition head to lead the Commerce Department instead. Despite Musk's vocal backing of Lutnick—expressed in a post on X—Trump chose Lutnick for a different position.
Nonetheless, Musk's influence was evident in Trump's recent selection of Brendan Carr as chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Carr's advocacy has closely mirrored Musk’s interests throughout 2024, and they’ve mutually amplified each other’s viewpoints on social media. Carr is now positioned to influence significant aspects of Trump administration policy, potentially benefiting Musk’s businesses, such as Starlink, which could receive increased subsidies and contracts.
This dynamic illustrates a growing friendship that appears significant in American politics. Trump has voiced admiration for Musk, referring to him as a “genius” while considering his proposals. Musk, who has labeled himself Trump’s “first buddy,” seems fascinated by the process of establishing a new White House, adopting a scientific approach to problem-solving, as described by a person close to Trump.
Musk has not only impressed Trump but also some of his key allies. For instance, during a flight to a UFC match, Musk engaged Donald Trump Jr. and other guests in a lengthy discussion about his ideas. Trump Jr. shared his enthusiasm: “I got off the plane, and I was like, I wish we were going 20 times further... The level of genius — you can’t even comprehend it.”
Despite some aides expressing frustration over Musk's persistent presence and involvement in transition decisions, Trump and his family seem unbothered by it.
So far, Trump has welcomed Musk’s behavior, which might have annoyed others. Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition, stated, “Elon Musk and President Trump are great friends and brilliant leaders working together to Make America Great Again.”
In just the past week, Trump and Musk have met in Texas—where Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck was part of Trump’s motorcade—and traveled to Washington, D.C., to interact with GOP lawmakers. They shared meals, attended a professional fight, and even sang together in front of guests at Mar-a-Lago. On election night, Musk and his son, named X, joined the Trump family photo at Trump’s invitation, with Trump’s granddaughter later noting that Musk had attained “uncle status.”
The former president jokingly remarked about Musk’s indefinite presence: “I don’t know when Elon is going to leave.”
An observer of their interactions noted that “Elon, like President Trump, doesn’t give a shit about what people think about him, and President Trump finds that refreshing. Elon is probably the only other man in the world who can truly relate to President Trump.”
Musk appears particularly satisfied with this unique relationship, enjoying discussions that parallel startup brainstorming sessions he hasn’t experienced before. A source close to Trump explained, “There aren't any larger problems than being the President of the United States... I think he's fascinated with solving problems...”
Though Musk has missed out on some of Trump’s decisions since the election, he has still maintained some influence. For instance, the attention generated by Trump’s visit to the SpaceX launch was a level of visibility most CEOs could only dream of.
Musk was recently named co-leader of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a nod to the cryptocurrency Dogecoin he’s previously promoted. The inception of this commission traces back to Musk's discussion with Trump about a government efficiency initiative during a podcast in August.
Musk stated in an interview, “I have discussed with Trump the idea of a government efficiency commission.” After Trump warmly responded to the idea during a subsequent conversation on Musk’s platform, he announced the formation of the commission in September and named it DOGE following his recent electoral victory.
Musk has also swayed Trump regarding the advantages of Starlink’s satellite broadband service. Initially unfamiliar with its operations, Trump became intrigued by its potential to assist in hurricane recovery and drew positive feedback from Starlink users about its performance, describing it as “much better than the wires.”
This could translate into practical benefits for Musk, as Trump’s agency leaders consider various technological avenues to enhance broadband access for Americans.
As the friendship develops, both allies and critics are keenly observing its trajectory due to its far-reaching implications. “It’s a bromance,” remarked a Mar-a-Lago member who has observed Trump and Musk together, “and they are having a blast.”
Derek Robertson and John Hendel contributed to this report.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Despite some of Trump’s allies being taken aback by the continued friendship, and Musk’s influence revealing its limitations, the incoming president remains very much engaged with him.
A recent highlight of their relationship was Trump’s visit with Musk to witness a SpaceX launch in Texas on Tuesday, which showcased their connection. Trump attended the event with a group of aides and lawmakers, including Sen. Bill Hagerty, a potential pick for Treasury secretary, and received a warm greeting from Musk, complete with a hug and a tour of his space operations.
Over the past couple of weeks, the president-elect and the billionaire seem to have become nearly inseparable. Musk has been included in calls with global leaders, shared meals with Trump and his family, and remained prominent as Trump plans his second administration.
However, indications suggest that Musk's sway over Trump’s decision-making has its limits. Musk has publicly supported some personnel and Senate leadership recommendations that didn’t come to fruition, often diverging from Trump’s established messaging. For instance, Musk advocated for Sen. Rick Scott as majority leader and pushed for Howard Lutnick for Treasury secretary, only to see Trump appoint his transition head to lead the Commerce Department instead. Despite Musk's vocal backing of Lutnick—expressed in a post on X—Trump chose Lutnick for a different position.
Nonetheless, Musk's influence was evident in Trump's recent selection of Brendan Carr as chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Carr's advocacy has closely mirrored Musk’s interests throughout 2024, and they’ve mutually amplified each other’s viewpoints on social media. Carr is now positioned to influence significant aspects of Trump administration policy, potentially benefiting Musk’s businesses, such as Starlink, which could receive increased subsidies and contracts.
This dynamic illustrates a growing friendship that appears significant in American politics. Trump has voiced admiration for Musk, referring to him as a “genius” while considering his proposals. Musk, who has labeled himself Trump’s “first buddy,” seems fascinated by the process of establishing a new White House, adopting a scientific approach to problem-solving, as described by a person close to Trump.
Musk has not only impressed Trump but also some of his key allies. For instance, during a flight to a UFC match, Musk engaged Donald Trump Jr. and other guests in a lengthy discussion about his ideas. Trump Jr. shared his enthusiasm: “I got off the plane, and I was like, I wish we were going 20 times further... The level of genius — you can’t even comprehend it.”
Despite some aides expressing frustration over Musk's persistent presence and involvement in transition decisions, Trump and his family seem unbothered by it.
So far, Trump has welcomed Musk’s behavior, which might have annoyed others. Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition, stated, “Elon Musk and President Trump are great friends and brilliant leaders working together to Make America Great Again.”
In just the past week, Trump and Musk have met in Texas—where Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck was part of Trump’s motorcade—and traveled to Washington, D.C., to interact with GOP lawmakers. They shared meals, attended a professional fight, and even sang together in front of guests at Mar-a-Lago. On election night, Musk and his son, named X, joined the Trump family photo at Trump’s invitation, with Trump’s granddaughter later noting that Musk had attained “uncle status.”
The former president jokingly remarked about Musk’s indefinite presence: “I don’t know when Elon is going to leave.”
An observer of their interactions noted that “Elon, like President Trump, doesn’t give a shit about what people think about him, and President Trump finds that refreshing. Elon is probably the only other man in the world who can truly relate to President Trump.”
Musk appears particularly satisfied with this unique relationship, enjoying discussions that parallel startup brainstorming sessions he hasn’t experienced before. A source close to Trump explained, “There aren't any larger problems than being the President of the United States... I think he's fascinated with solving problems...”
Though Musk has missed out on some of Trump’s decisions since the election, he has still maintained some influence. For instance, the attention generated by Trump’s visit to the SpaceX launch was a level of visibility most CEOs could only dream of.
Musk was recently named co-leader of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a nod to the cryptocurrency Dogecoin he’s previously promoted. The inception of this commission traces back to Musk's discussion with Trump about a government efficiency initiative during a podcast in August.
Musk stated in an interview, “I have discussed with Trump the idea of a government efficiency commission.” After Trump warmly responded to the idea during a subsequent conversation on Musk’s platform, he announced the formation of the commission in September and named it DOGE following his recent electoral victory.
Musk has also swayed Trump regarding the advantages of Starlink’s satellite broadband service. Initially unfamiliar with its operations, Trump became intrigued by its potential to assist in hurricane recovery and drew positive feedback from Starlink users about its performance, describing it as “much better than the wires.”
This could translate into practical benefits for Musk, as Trump’s agency leaders consider various technological avenues to enhance broadband access for Americans.
As the friendship develops, both allies and critics are keenly observing its trajectory due to its far-reaching implications. “It’s a bromance,” remarked a Mar-a-Lago member who has observed Trump and Musk together, “and they are having a blast.”
Derek Robertson and John Hendel contributed to this report.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
